Overview & Reviews

There are affordable cars, and then there are cars that offer thrilling performance. Rarely do the two ever converge, but Japanese automaker Mazda has made it a tradition of coming up with vehicles that combine both of these eminently desirable traits.

The Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, used the name "Mazda" for its first three-wheeled truck, built in 1931. Company founder Jujiro Matsuda chose the word "Mazda" because it was the name of the Zoroastrian god of good and light. Work on a small sedan began in the late 1930s, but development was halted so the company could pitch in with Japan's war effort. In the wake of World War II and the rebuilding that followed, the company refocused its efforts on car development and manufacturing.

By 1960, the first Mazda automobile -- the R360 coupe -- was developed, and the company's foray into the production of passenger vehicles began in full force. Other landmark developments were soon to follow. In 1961, the company entered into a technical partnership with NSU and Wankel to develop and produce rotary engines, a union that led to Mazda's distinguishing itself as the only manufacturer to offer three engine configurations: conventional gasoline piston, diesel and rotary. The '60s also saw the introduction of the company's first pickup, the B-Series 1500, as well as its first rotary-engine vehicle, the 110S Cosmo Sport.

Mazda began selling cars in the U.S. in 1970. In the early part of the decade, the automaker rolled out the RX-2. Powered by the noted 12A rotary, the RX-2 introduced America to Mazda's effort to build cars that were affordable and fun to drive. The decade also saw the introduction of the RX-3, RX-4 and now iconic rotary-powered RX-7 sports car. In 1979, Ford Motor Company purchased a 25 percent stake in Mazda after the Japanese company encountered a number of financial difficulties.

The 1980s was a decade of rebirth for Mazda. The company officially took on the Mazda name (though all its vehicles since its launch in the '20s have carried that brand). It also witnessed an upswing in sales sparked by successful new products like the 323 (which was first called the GLC in the American market) and 626. The 1990 model year saw the launch of a car that would prove a huge hit for Mazda: the MX-5 Miata. Lauded for its ultra-responsive handling and affordability, the drop top has been a consistent favorite, and now holds the distinction of being the world's best-selling roadster.

Mazda began the 1990s with a bang by winning Le Mans with the 787B; it was the first time a Japanese automaker had won the prestigious race, and marked the only win for a rotary engine. Vehicles like the RX-7 and MX-5 Miata scored kudos from automotive journalists, and landed on many top 10 lists. However, save for the Miata, the company's vehicles experienced declining sales in the U.S., and the company's fortunes suffered as a result.

The new millennium has seen Mazda regain its stride, as the automaker has invested in new development. Models like the Mazda 2 and CX-9 have broadened the lineup and won over a whole new generation of fans, while the enthusiast-oriented RX-8 and Mazdaspeed performance models have exemplified the company's spirited philosophy. Most recently, Mazda has focused on designing its cars to be as fuel-efficient as possible while also still being fun to drive and affordable to own.

User Reviews:

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  Fun - 2003 Mazda Protege5
  By Nickohos - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I love the way my car feels when I drive it because it handles like a dream. What the Protege5 lacks in power compared to its competitors, it more than makes up for in torque and excellent handling. I test drove quite a few cars and none of them were as fun to drive as the Mazda.

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  Best bang for the buck - 2000 Mazda 626
  By lions0216 - April 25 - 2:00 am

  This is the first new car my wife or myself have ever purchased. We got it b/c, at the time, it had all the features we wanted at only $20,500. It is an ES (top trim) V6 with a 5 spd trans. The car also has ABS, Traction Control, Sunroof, fog lights, etc... every option available. We owned it for 2 yrs and over 50K miles and have not had a problem except for a broken cassette player. I absolutely love this car, especially, when I think about spending ~$10K less for something comparible.

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  Roomy and Dependable - 2001 Mazda Tribute
  By daigt - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Tribute lx v6. unbelieveably roomy for a "small" suv. the v6 is very powerful and peppy! I have owned it for over 2 years and it has given me practically no problems to speak of. The best vehicle in its class by far!

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  My experience with Madza - 2003 Mazda Tribute
  By RJV1284 - April 25 - 2:00 am

  My SUV is more than I expected. Its confort conforms to my needs with the family. I would buy another. Your pricing was very good.

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  Great fun, great value - 2006 Mazda Mazda6
  By Jimmy - April 23 - 10:10 am

  A low priced car, the 5 speed 160 HP engine is well matched to the gearbox. Quick acceleration, good handling, decent top end for a car that cost less the $20K. Nice looking, though silver is bland at best. Like the rear end appearance but the front end has a cheesy pseudo-chrome strip over the grill I dont like. Ive had it for a year - no problems to speak of. Though the kick panel fuse box cover is a poor design. Compared with the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla and the Mazda 6 was bigger, more powerful, roomier and more fun than the other two.

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  I love this car! - 2002 Mazda Protege5
  By Chris - April 22 - 2:20 am

  What can I say. Ive had the car for two years now and I love it! Many will complain that it doesnt have enough power, however I am satisfied with the 130hp. It out performs anything in its class so what more do you want? This car has a sports car feel while still remaining utilitarian and economical. Mazda got this one right, I cant say the same for its predecessor, the Mazda3. I wont be trading in my Protege5 anytime soon.

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  Snow whites alright - 2003 Mazda Mazda6
  By hugdeath - April 21 - 2:00 am

  The fact that u cannot add an aftermarket head unit without a ton of modifications is nuts! The engine sounds really sweet. "NEEDS MORE LOW END TORQUE!!!!! My kick panels continue to come aloose without provocation. I dont care what the reviews say, the back seat is comfy. Im 62", 305 lbs and I dont have a problem. The standard stereo is decent. The steering is pleasant.The suspension gives when pushed but takes a lot to break. I try on a consistent basis. Climate control works fine. Why can a Mazda 3 owner get navigation but I cant get it in the bigger car???? Ive written to Mazda and they basically said , no get over it. Needs more aftermarket support. An absolute steal!

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  For the price you cant beat it. - 2003 Mazda Truck
  By SeJac - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I have driven a 79 Ford P/UP for the past 7 years. It was aging but the gas mileage was killing me, ecspecially with prices going up. I knew I wanted to stay with a P/UP just not a big one anymore. Well I found it, and at the price I got with the rebate, I stole this Truck :-) I can fillup and drive all week on one tank of gas now, I am saving half the payment just in what I use to pay for gas in my old P/UP. If you want a small truck and didnt think you could afford one, give yourself a look at this one before the rebates end. You wont go wrong, The Lord has truly blessed me with this truck.

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  My Mazda - zoom zoom - 2005 Mazda Tribute
  By Ron - April 15 - 12:30 am

  Overall we really love this SUV . There are only two things that are bugging us. The cup holders in the console area are horrible! There is no room for the second cup unless you lift the lid of the center console. Not good. The second is how fast the brake discs get worn. Not even 7,000 miles and they have deep groves in them. Otherwise, love the car.

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  Great minivan - 2001 Mazda MPV
  By kristi - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this minivan for almost 2 years now and Ive been very pleased with it. Only one minor problem fixed under warranty the same day, no other mechanical problems at all. Even though I have the 2001 version with the supposed "under-performing" engine, Ive had no issues with the performance at all. The gas mileage could be a little better but otherwise I have no complaints. I get compliments on it all the time, even though its not brand new anymore.